ROME, Ga. - The Shorter Hawks dropped the third game of the series to #18 Delta State, 7-0.

It was a tough day at the plate for the Hawks, as they had opportunities to score but could not capitalize.

Leadoff hitter Raul Cortes opened the game with a single and got as far as third base before the end of the inning. At the end of the first, Shorter trailed by three runs.

The Statesmen scored a pair of runs in the fourth, extending their lead to 5-0. SU threatened in the bottom of the fifth as both Sean Acevedo and Greg Gladden singled with two outs. Jacob Ramos walked, loading the bases, but a strikeout ended the inning with the Hawks still scoreless.

Shorter once again loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth. Blaze Vazquez singled and stole second before Dustin Lawson and Patrick Sanderson were each hit by a pitch. Although the bases were full, a popout ended the inning with the Hawks behind, 5-0.

Delta State scored two more runs in the ninth to increase its advantage to seven runs. Shorter failed to cut into the lead and fell, 7-0.

Mason Long took the loss for the Hawks. Long gave up four earned runs over 2.1 innings. Dalton Moats received the win for the Statesmen, pitching seven shutout innings.

The loss moves Shorter's record to 13-24 overall and 6-18 in the Gulf South Conference. Delta State improves to 26-11 and 18-6 in conference.

The Hawks will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Emmanuel College. First pitch is set for 4 PM EST from Franklin Springs, Georgia.